mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog, sometimes writing about events associated with consumption of said food. Today, Cathy is writing.
The 2017 San Diego County Fair with the theme "How the West is Fun" ended on July 4. I gave you a 'sneak peek' before the Fair opened and also a post while the Fair was in progress. There were so many things to see and do (4,187 attractions, 1,879 concerts) over the 26 day run of the Fair that I could not list everything nor give you a recommendation of what foods to try. (There were 108 concession stands in the main area of the fairgrounds, with another 12 stands in the Family Funville/Kids Zone area). (More stats: 1,565,933 visitors attended the events, with 1,609,481 total people passing through the entrance, because some people utilized the 26 day pass, which cost less than two entrance fees). Hopefully, you had a chance to experience this fifth most attended County Fair in the USA. .
Parking at one of the offsite free parking areas, or taking public transit, which offered a 'Fair Tripper' package (combining transit fare with Fair admission at a lower price than if purchased separately) meant you were transported to the front gate while passing the perimeter. It also means you leave from the front gate and relax on the bus before having to get in your car and drive home.
Once inside the gates, daily events and contests took place at almost every turn. There were foods I didn't mention, which are worth a mention now. 
The Bacon-A-Fair booths did indeed serve bacon wrapped cactus-if you asked. We also ordered bacon wrapped asparagus to even out the 'meal'. The cactus was a special to go along with the Fair Theme (Where the West is Fun).
Dixie's Mini Donuts, a booth inside Bing Crosby Hall, makes the donuts in front of you. Always a nice, warm snack. 
Inside the Paul Ecke Flower Garden Show area, the Iron Skillet and Smoke booth was located in a shaded area with a sort of "non-Fair" menu-The Brandt beef patty melt (topped with smoked caramelized onions, smoked cheddar on toasted corn rye, was excellent. There was also a menu on the order area listing smoked wings, which were really wonderful.
Of course, the Midway had some more 'unusual' offerings, like frozen or fried lemonade…it's a fried lemon cake, filled with a creamy lemon filling and topped with a tart, lemony icing. Quite nice and fresh. 
The Mister always wants to stop at Pignotti's Pasta for pesto topped cheese tortellini, and so we did on our last day attending. It's always tasty and for us, a treat. 
For me, the Fair experience isn't complete without a stop at the Chuck Wagon…for a pulled pork sandwich with baked beans and slaw…and my new favorite (mentioned last year), the fried apple rings.
There were booths (and foods) we didn't make it to..but we will-next year.
The Theme of the 2018 San Diego County Fair was announced a few weeks ago. Here's the logo. Looks like it will be interesting in decoration and theme and exhibits. Something to look forward to!
Website, which is updated as more information is available.